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University Leaders Share How SLU Works at Early Career Faculty Mentoring Program Event

11/28/2023

On Friday, Nov. 17, the Division for Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement (DICE) welcomed President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Financial Officer David Heimburger, and Faculty Senate President Christine Rollins, J.D., for a panel discussion on how the university works from structural, financial, and shared governance perspectives for faculty taking part in the Early Career Faculty Mentoring Program. 

SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., shares his insight into the inner workings of the University at a Early Career Faculty Mentoring Program event. Photo submitted.

SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., shares his insight into the inner workings of the University at an Early Career Faculty Mentoring Program event. Photo submitted.

“The event was curated to instill confidence and a sense of purpose for our early career faculty at SLU,” said Rochelle Smith, Vice President for DICE. “Knowing how the university works and how it impacts faculty life allows our faculty to make informed and passion-driven decisions about their own career path in academia.”

The event began with a discussion about the university at an enterprise-level and a look into the current financial landscape of higher education. 

Pestello emphasized SLU’s unique position among higher education institutions as a “Catholic, Jesuit, international, urban, residential, research university. ”

Heimburger answered questions about “where the money comes from, and where it goes” in the university’s finances. While Rollins shared her own experience as a faculty member from early career to full professor, including entering shared governance roles where she has been able to be “in the room where important discussions happen.”

“It was wonderful to spend time with early career faculty, and to share insights about how the University functions as a mission-focused organization navigating a challenging landscape,” Pestello said. “I am grateful to the DICE team for providing this forum for discussion, and for nurturing the mentorship and development of our exceptional faculty.”

The DICE Early Career Faculty Mentoring Program will close out the fall semester with a social event in December. The event will create another opportunity to grow their mentoring circles and offer opportunities for SLU community connection.